Sunderland captain Dean Whitehead admits this weekend's clash against relegation rivals Derby County is a must-win game.

After their 7-1 humiliation at Everton, Whitehead says: "We can't make it up to the fans enough, but we'll certainly be trying to (against Derby) and I think we're big enough and strong enough to do that. It makes that game even more important, that we not only win, but show everyone Saturday wasn't a true reflection of where the side is."